Price’s enthusiasm rubs off on ’Canes

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Curtis Price’s excitement level during a basketball game becomes evident right after tip-off.

The Marian Central boys coach stalks the sideline, too antsy to sit down, analyzing and chirping instructions on every possession.

“I’m a little different type of coach,” he said. “I have knowledge of the game and passion for it. My players see that, and it rubs off on them. I’m pleased at the coaches and players buying into the excitement and enthusiasm I have for basketball.”

Price took over at Marian three seasons ago after former Hurricanes coach Tom Les left for the job at Niles Notre Dame. The Hurricanes were 3-24 in Price’s first season and improved to 14-14 last year.

This season, Marian’s program took a huge step, finishing 20-10 and winning its first regional championship since 1977. For that, Price is the Northwest Herald Boys Basketball Coach of the Year, selected by the sports staff with input from local coaches.

Johnsburg’s Luke Ravlin, whose team was 27-3, and Cary-Grove’s Ralph Schuetzle, whose team won the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division, also received consideration.

“There’s an excitement about Marian Central basketball that hasn’t been there since I’ve been here,” Price said. “The players and parents are excited about the direction we’re taking this program. It’s mostly the players dedicating themselves to the game and assistant coaches putting in the time.

“I just want to make sure my kids enjoy the game of basketball. When you have talent, you should win. [The season] is a testament to them.”

Marian was headed in the right direction after last season and had starters Danny Noonan, Jacob Tonkin and Ben Krol returning. The last piece was point guard Jake Everly, who transferred back to Marian after playing for Les at Notre Dame.

“Getting Jake helped a lot,” Price said. “We had enough athletes to do it. Back in June, I told people this could be the team that got Marian over the [regional] hump. One of the things I’m proudest of is our longest losing streak was two games. We always bounced back after a defeat. These guys were always able to do that.”

The championship at the IHSA Class 3A Woodstock North Regional did not come easy. Prairie Ridge fought the Hurricanes all the way, with Marian holding off the Wolves, 56-52, in overtime.

The Hurricanes lost only one home game, a 79-54 decision Feb. 23 to Johnsburg in a matchup of the area’s top two teams. According to the IHSA Web site, Marian’s record was the second-best in school history to Kevin Dix’s 1992 team, which finished 23-4.

“Only losing one game at home was big,” Price said. “I think we got everything we could out of these kids. We reached our potential and did everything capable. I thought we could win 22 games, take two or three, and that’s where we were.”

Price graduated from St. Rita High School in 1988 and played on three NCAA tournament teams during his career at DePaul. He played with such notable Blue Demons as David Booth, Stephen Howard, Terrance Green, Stan Brundy, Howard Nathan and Tom Kleinschmidt. His competitive nature still is evident.

“He wants to win really bad, he’s a real competitive guy,” Noonan said. “He deserved to have a good year and deserved to be the guy who had the first regional in 33 years. I wish him the best in the future.”

Even though the Hurricanes lose Noonan, Tonkin and others from the senior class, they should be tough again next season with Everly, Krol and C.J. Price (the coach’s son) leading the way.

“As coach, you can draw up all the X’s and O’s,” Price said. “I’m more of a coach to get them to believe in themselves.”